48 - Anita Mann: Dance Legend (Elvis Presley, Solid Gold, Michael Jackson, The Oscars, 5x Emmy Nominated)

Episode Summary:  Dance legend Anita Mann shares her remarkable journey, offering insights from her extensive career as a dancer, choreographer, and producer. Menina Fortunato introduces Anita, honoring her as a trailblazer who has received five Emmy nominations, with an impressive array of credits, including Solid Gold, the Muppets, and the Academy Awards. Anita’s career took off when Elvis Presley, impressed with her work, asked her to assist on his projects. Working with icons like Elvis and Jack Baker provided invaluable experience in choreography and the technical aspects of filmmaking, setting the foundation for her success. Throughout her career, Anita built opportunities, from creating her own company divisions for cruise ships and casinos to producing television and arena shows. Her work ethic, dedication to learning, and passion for dance propelled her forward, and she actively supports other dancers in their pursuits. In advice to aspiring dancers, Anita stresses preparation, respect, and persistence in auditions, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with integrity. During a Q&A with mentees, she discusses leveraging social media, her favorite roles, and the transition from performer to business owner. Anita concludes with a message of gratitude and resilience, emphasizing health and ongoing dedication to dance. She expresses her excitement for the future, including the launch of a new dance hall of fame, inspiring dancers to persevere and keep reaching for their dreams. Show Notes: (0:03) Introduction and Background of Anita Mann (3:10) Early Years and First Dance Experiences (1:09:27) Audition for NAACP Special and First Professional Job (1:29:57) Working with Elvis Presley and Early Choreography Career (1:30:12) Building a Career and Creating Opportunities (1:32:37) Advice for Aspiring Dancers (1:33:36) Q&A Session with Mentees (1:37:36) Final Thoughts and Encouragement Biography: Anita Mann has been honored by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as one of America's top five contemporary choreographers. She is the recipient of five Emmy Nominations, one Emmy Award and accolades from every corner of the industry. Her choreography credits include 5 seasons on the 1980s dance television show, “Solid Gold” (earning her two Emmy nominations), "The Muppets Go Hollywood" (her first Emmy nomination), "The Cher Show", "The Jacksons", "The Academy Awards", "The Golden Globe Awards", "Academy of Country Music Awards", "The Miss America Pageant" (earning her first Emmy Award), "The People's Choice Awards", "The Grammy Hall of Fame", "The Emmy's", "The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon" (earning her another Emmy nomination), "The Great Muppet Caper", "Dick Clark's American Bandstand Live", "Sesame Street Live", "The Mighty Morphin Power Ranger Tour", "Snoopy's World of Magic", "Arthur Live Tour" as well as countless other live, film and television shows including the award-winning show FANTASY, one of the longest running shows in Las Vegas now celebrating 25 years on the Las Vegas Strip! Mann was the Coordinating Producer for the WE Channel TV series, “Dirty Dancing”. She is the Producer of the pre-school animated musical webisode series, “itty bitty HeartBeats” as well as the President of the Dance Hall of Fame. Anita Mann has danced with and choreographed for Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Cher, The Muppets, Wayne Brady, Julianne Hough, Adam Lambert and countless other stars while maintaining a four-decade relationship with all the major networks. Connect on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DWwNF5XRe/